Todd Copeland, Patagonia

Todd Copeland is the strategic environmental materials developer at the U.S. outdoor apparel brand Patagonia. His background includes a degree in polymer and textile chemistry from Georgia Tech and experience developing automotive interior materials for Honda's North American R&D Center.

At Patagonia, he is responsible for material development of the Common Threads Recycling Program, focusing on garment recycling, scrap recycling, and utilizing recycled materials. He is also responsible for assessing and reducing the environmental impacts of all raw materials, including fibers such as cotton, polyester, nylon, and wool, in addition to dyes, finishes, and other textile inputs.

How Eco-Friendly is Bamboo Fabric, Really?

Photo by strollers

Bamboo is the fastest-growing woody plant in the world, capable of growing up to four feet a day. Most of it is grown organically (though very little is certified organic), and in most locations requires no irrigation or fertilizers. There are some concerns about its use, namely depleting natural bamboo habitats (for pandas) and clearing forests for bamboo plantations. But for the most part, the growing of bamboo can be considered sustainable. Fabric made from bamboo, however, is more controversial.